The University Board approves the vision and development programme structure of the University of Jyväskylä

Vision 2035 of the University of Jyväskylä

The University of Jyväskylä is a strong, internationally attractive research university with societal impact. We are among the world leaders in the fields of learning, well-being, and basic natural phenomena, offering a world-class academic community and delivering a high-quality student experience.

The strategy’s guiding concept “Wisdom and wellbeing for us all” and the mission “We are a university with societal impact” will remain the same. The strategy will be discussed at the Rectors’ event on 21 February 2024 at Ruusupuisto. The event can be viewed also via Moniviestin.

The Board provided guidance on further preparation for drafting the strategy development programmes, the content of which is being prepared under the direction of the Rector. The Board will decide on the key content of the development programmes in June.

A sustainable financial situation is a requirement for achieving the goals of the strategy, and the University has prepared a draft to be used as a long-term roadmap for achieving and maintaining sustainable finances. The roadmap was discussed at the meeting, and the Board provided guidance.

The University’s facilities strategy was also approved, the goals of which are facilities that promote collaboration, resource-efficient use of facilities, as well as suitable facilities.

The objectives of the contractual negotiations with the Ministry of Education and Culture will be decided in March

The Board discussed the upcoming contract negotiations with the Ministry of Education and Culture for the period 2025–2028. The themes included the University of Jyväskylä’s development objectives for the strategy-based funding, possible extensions of educational responsibilities, as well our profile and areas of strength. The Board will establish the key objectives of the negotiations on 22 March 2024.

The Board decided on the University of Jyväskylä’s statement regarding the funding model for higher education institutions

In the meeting, the University of Jyväskylä’s statement regarding the funding model for higher education institutions was decided on. The University states that it would be desirable for the funding model for higher education institutions to extend beyond the terms of the Finnish Government to ensure a long-term and ambitious science policy. The University welcomes the increased emphasis on research and the strengthening of the higher education institution’s own strategic importance with regard to strategic funding. The University considers it important that before the new model enters into force, we carefully review and anticipate what challenges related to equality and law are involved in increasing quotas for first-time applicants and how they could be solved.

The University of Jyväskylä also indicates in its statement that the reduced flexibility in retraining should be carefully monitored, so that it does not negatively impact the development of employment and careers, and thereby hinder other objectives of the Government Programme. The University considers it to be challenging to society that the incentives for continuous learning have been reduced. It is through these incentives, especially via separate studies, that those who are already in a profession or those who are supplementing their degree can gain additional qualifications and find employment in fields with a skills shortage.

The Board’s next meeting will be on 22 March 2024.